Between myths and legends: the Sicilian cannolo to be enjoyed in one bite
In a world in constant evolution, where traditions risk getting lost in the vortex of modernity, there is a dish that continues to resist the inevitable passage of time: the Sicilian cannolo. A symbol of the culinary tradition of the island, which enchants the palates of anyone who tastes it. And it is our Pastry Chef, Giuseppe Greco, who presents us with this masterpiece of sweetness and crunchiness at La Plage Resort, giving us a unique experience to enjoy with a view of Isola Bella.
The charm of the Sicilian cannolo
The Sicilian cannolo, with its cylindrical shape and filling of sweet ricotta, honey and candied orange peel, represents a true symphony of flavors. Giuseppe Greco, with his mastery and passion for pastry making, manages to elevate this iconic dessert to levels of excellence never seen before. Each bite is a sensory journey between tradition and innovation, between past and present. According to another tradition, the name derives from a carnival joke: it consisted of letting ricotta cream flow out of the “cannolo”, a dialect term that indicates a sort of tap, instead of water.
According to various hypotheses, the dessert was, in fact, created to celebrate Carnival and later, thanks to its goodness, became one of the desserts consumed all year round. The origins of the cannolo come from the revisitation of an ancient Roman recipe, later elaborated by the Arabs and then developed by the skilled hands of the cloistered nuns of a convent near Caltanissetta.
Why is the Sicilian cannolo so famous? The pastry chefs of Palermo, one of the most beautiful and famous Sicilian cities, have perfected the recipe, making it a dessert known and loved by all.
Then it was the people of Messina who created a reinterpretation of the recipe by inserting chocolate into the cream... yum! Did you know that the cannolo has been sent into space? To pay homage to this dessert, two famous Italian computer scientists launched a weather balloon containing the reproduction of a Sicilian cannolo into the stratosphere! A commemorative €5 coin was also created featuring a cannolo, in short: we are talking about a true Italian star!
The importance of preserving traditions
Tasting a Sicilian cannolo means stopping for a moment and rediscovering the value of the roots, history and culture of a territory. Giuseppe Greco's passion for Sicilian culinary tradition transforms into a magical encounter between ancient and modern, between taste and beauty. Do you want to know how it's made? The cannolo is made from a wafer made with a dough based on flour, wine, sugar and butter, then stretched, rolled and fried in lard or oil.
To give it its characteristic shape, a small metal tube is used on which the dough is rolled and fried directly. And for the filling? Ricotta cheese, a fundamental ingredient in Sicilian pastry making, could not be missing. It is sifted and worked with sugar to obtain a soft and creamy filling. To make it even more delicious, candied fruit or chocolate chips, chopped pistachios or hazelnuts are added. The final touch, however, consists of a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
Although the Sicilian cannoli filled with ricotta is the original version, today this dessert is also filled with cream, chocolate or pistachio depending on personal taste. The secret of its crunchiness? The Sicilian cannoli is filled on the spot, so they are crumbly when eaten.
The Future of the Sicilian Cannolo
The Sicilian cannolo, with its thousand-year history and its enveloping flavor, has all the credentials to conquer the palates of new generations and gourmet enthusiasts. Thanks to the mastery of chefs like Giuseppe Greco, this timeless dessert will continue to delight more and more people, thus preserving a precious piece of Sicilian culture.
With the Sicilian cannolo, every bite is a journey through time, a unique experience that must be savored with respect and devotion. The culinary tradition of the island continues to live through this iconic dessert, which remains a symbol of excellence and passion for good food. Sipping a coffee with a view of Isola Bella, you can let yourself be enveloped by the magical and enveloping atmosphere of a land rich in history, art and unforgettable flavors. Enjoy your meal!
